Module for resistance welding tongs

Abstract

The invention originates in the field of resistance welding technology, among other means by means of welding robots 1 , for use in roll seam welding, projection welding or spot welding, and has to do with accommodating components for operation inside the housing 2 of the welding tongs. Taking the demands in terms of weight into account, the object of the invention is to achieve the most effective possible utilization of space for the housing 2 of the welding tongs carried by the welding robot. The housing 2 of the welding tongs is given a module 3 for this purpose. This module 3 includes modular components that are relevant to performing the welding process that is monitored by the welding controller.

1. A module for resistance welding tongs provided with welding electrodes, comprising a housing; a current regulator receiving a measured actual current value from the welding electrodes, regulating a current, and supplying an adjusted regulating welding current to the electrodes; an ultrasonic regulator supplying an ultrasonic transmission signal and transmitting it through the welding electrodes and a weld spot, and then receiving an ultrasonic reception signal to generate a set-point current; and processing means receiving said set point current and said actual current value and providing a correction signal supplied to said current regulator for providing the adjusted the welding current supplied to the welding electrodes, said ultrasonic regulator, said current regulator and said processing means being accommodated in said housing. 
   
   
     2. A module as defined in  claim 1 ; and further comprising an ultrasonic transmitter which receives said ultrasonic transmission signal from said ultrasonic regulator and transmits it through the electrodes and the weld spot, and an ultrasonic receiver which receives said ultrasonic reception signal that passed through the electrodes and the weld spot and supplies it to said ultrasonic regulator. 
   
   
     3. A module as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said processing means include a subtraction point in which subtraction of said set-point current value and said measured actual current value is processed to produce the correction signal. 
   
   
     4. A module as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said current regulator and said processing means are arranged so that said current regulator supplies the adjusted regulating welding current to one of the electrodes while said processing means receives the measured actual current value from the other of the electrodes. 
   
   
     5. A production line for performing an industrial process, comprising welding robots provided with welding tongs carrying welding electrodes; and modules each provided for a respective one of said welding tongs, each of said modules having a housing, a current regulator receiving a measured actual current value from the welding electrodes, regulating a current, and supplying an adjusted regulating welding current to the electrodes; an ultrasonic regulator supplying an ultrasonic transmission signal and transmitting it through the welding electrodes and a weld spot, and then receiving an ultrasonic receiving signal to generate a set-point current; and processing means receiving said set point current and said actual current value and providing a correction signal supplied to said current regulator for producing the adjusted the welding current supplied to the welding electrodes, said ultrasonic regulator, said current regulator and said processing means being accommodated in said housing. 
   
   
     6. A production line as defined in  claim 5 , wherein each of said modules has an ultrasonic transmitter which receives said ultrasonic transmission signal from said ultrasonic regulator and transmits it through the electrodes and the weld spot, an ultrasonic receiver which receives said ultrasonic reception signal that passed through the electrodes and the weld spot and supplies it to said ultrasonic regulator. 
   
   
     7. A production line as defined in  claim 5 , wherein said processing means include a subtraction point in which subtraction of said set-point current value and said measured actual current value is processed to produce the correction signal. 
   
   
     8. A production line as defined in  claim 5 , wherein said current regulator and said processing means are arranged so that said current regulator supplies the adjusted regulating welding current to one of the electrodes while said processing means receives the measured actual current value from the other of the electrodes. 
   
   
     9. A module for resistance welding tongs provided with welding electrodes, comprising a housing; a current regulator receiving a measured actual current value from the welding electrodes, regulating a current, and supplying an adjusted regulating welding current to the electrodes; ultrasonic means transmitting an ultrasonic signal through the welding electrodes and a weld spot, said current regulator producing the adjusted regulating welding current in response to an ultrasonic signal received after passing through the welding electrodes and the weld spot. 
   
   
     10. A production line for performing an industrial process, comprising welding robots provided with welding tongs carrying welding electrodes; and modules each provided for a respective one of said welding tongs, each of said modules having a housing, a current regulator receiving a measured actual current value from the welding electrodes, regulating a current, and supplying an adjusted regulating welding current to the electrodes, ultrasonic means transmitting an ultrasonic signal through the welding electrodes and a weld spot, said current regulator producing the adjusted regulating welding current in response to an ultrasonic signal received after passing through the welding electrodes and the weld spot.